DSLR Video Recording: HD movies and what you absolutely have to know

How to pace your HD movies

Shoot with a variety of focal lengths and from a range of angles to give yourself more flexibility when it comes to editing

Scene setters
Capture wide shots to set the scene. Keep the camera stationary most of the time, rather than zooming in or panning. If you’re filming moving subjects, allow them to move into the shot and out of it again, as these moments will provide natural cut points when you start the editing process.

Close-ups
Films shot using the same wide focal length will look dull, so use a longer lens to get in close – although make sure you can still pick up any sound your subject makes. Vary the shooting angle if you’re moving from a wide shot to a close one, otherwise the camera will appear to ‘jump’ closer.

Cutaways
Film incidental shots or ‘cutaways’ to provide bridging points between wide shots and close ups, or between different scenes. When it comes to editing, keep sequences short and tight – think about cutting between angles every 5-20 seconds to keep the pace (and your viewer’s attention) up.